Guest accounts...

I'm using Vista Home Premium. For the most part, I don't usually allow people on my computer. For a while, when the other computer in the house had a hard drive go out, I created user accounts for some of my family members, but after the other computer got back, I deleted them. More and more I find myself letting others use my computer, but because I use an administrative account, I of course feel the constant need to watch anyone who's on it. So, I'd like to create a different account that is mostly restricted. It would be nice, however, to have it password protected, so that I could still control who and when was on it, even on the guest account, and it would also be nice to have other controls, like restrict certain programs, like HijackThis or any other powerful programs I have on here. I was trying out the default Guest Account, but it seems almost uncontrollable.. I can't apply parental controls, I can't set a password, etc. Also, I had some other trouble with it. I couldn't access microsoft or google.com, cause apparently it was blocked by parental controls. So, it wouldn't let me set parental controls, but parental controls block the internet. Anyway, I guess my question is, should I try to get the guest account working, or would it be just as good to just create a new account called "Guest"(or whatever) and set the password and parental controls myself?

Edit: Also, the guest folder under user accounts was not deleted when the account was turned off. Should I just leave it alone? I'd prefer that it not stay there.

 

You always need the business (Vista) or pro (XP) version of Windows to set the policies you describe.

That feature is one of the main differences between home and business versions.

 

So, I guess I'll just set up a regular account, set a password, and set parental controls. I know that I don't have a LOT of controlling power, not near as much as the Business version, but I've used the parental controls before and it gives a lot more options than the guest account, which gives absolutely none. As far as I'm concerned, the default guest account is practically useless. Thanks.

 

I'm using my Vista Business machine right now, and here is its definition of a guest account:

I *believe* the definition is the same for Vista Home.

You are correct that there appears to be no way to restrict internet access or set time limits on the guest account. The only thing I know how to do is turn the account on and off, although I have tried to restrict it. My wily 14-year-old discovered this fact about the guest account when he got hold of his computer after I had logged on to it (I am the administrator, and he a standard user, on his machine). He enabled the guest account on the sly until I busted him down when I found it running after his permitted hours. :major

 

I've said it before and I'll (no doubt) say it again

Personal accounts should all be standard (Vista) or limited accounts (XP), even for administrators.

You should never use the administrator acount for everyday use, especially not for surfing.

 

I've always known that, but I just realized that I always use an administrative account. I may have had a reason at one point, constantly needing administrative privileges for something possibly, but can't think of one now. I guess I should set myself up another Administrative account and then reduce this one's privileges to standard user.